Liberty Bank donates money to mentor program

MIDDLETOWN >> The Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded a $4,300 grant to the Business Industry Foundation of Middlesex County to support the Middletown Mentor Program.

"Liberty Bank employees have been serving as mentors in this program since it began," said Sue Murphy, executive director of the Liberty Bank Foundation. "It's amazing to see the difference that can be made in a child's life by spending time talking and playing with an adult who cares. It's a rewarding relationship for both the child and mentor."

Sponsored by The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and the Middletown Board of Education, the Middletown Mentor Program was initiated in 1992 to provide mentors for the children of Middletown public schools.

Through the recommendation of a teacher, principal or parent, a child in grades 2-5 is selected to be a participant in the Middletown Mentor Program. Students who are recommended may benefit from a valuable role model and trusted friend, a significant element which is often missing from their lives, officials said.

Volunteer mentors meet with their students weekly for 45-50 minutes, usually during lunch-time, on-site, at one of Middletown's public schools. Many of the mentor/mentee relationships continue throughout middle and high school.

To become a mentor, you need a small amount of time, a big heart and a desire to become a valuable part of a child's life. Mentors are local volunteers, business people, as well as private individuals. All prospective candidates must complete an Applicant Profile. Once accepted into the program, mentors participate in an informative training session.